Theme Housing and Special Options

We offer several communities at SMU with a particular program emphasis.  If you are looking to live in a community that is tailored to your major, academic goals, or even your lifestyle, one of these might be right for you!

Virginia-Snider Honors Hall
While all the halls on SMU's campus are geared to support your academic life, there is one hall that is specifically designed with academics in mind. Virginia-Snider Hall is a Four Class honors residence hall with assignment priority given to students in the University Honors Program and to participants of some major academic scholarships including President's Scholars and Hunt Scholars. This hall is known for its frequent discussion groups, classes taught in the building lounges and an active, involved community!

Hilltop Scholars Program
Hilltop Scholars (HSP) is a residential experience for first-year students which provides a supportive academic environment that combines the advantages and individual attention of a small college atmosphere with the many social and academic opportunities of a large university. HSP students live in Perkins Hall or Smith Hall and take up to three classes together. Typical classes are essential first-year courses at SMU, including: first-year writing, biology, philosophy, information technology, history, and political science. Most courses are taught in the Perkins Hall classroom.  The cohesiveness of the living environment and the in-house classroom create opportunity for group study and other beneficial student-to-student exchanges in and out of class. Students who are invited to join HSP have indicated high academic ability and leadership qualities through their applications for admission to SMU.

Fine Arts Community
Comprised of Mary Hay and Peyton Halls, the Fine Arts Community (FAC) is a four-year community where all SMU students, regardless of major, are welcome. The two buildings serve as one community and the FAC students have access to both halls. The hall staff works to promote programs that focus on the arts, and common areas facilitate the study of fine arts and accommodate social gatherings.

Multicultural House
Located in the northern section of campus, the Multicultural House is a cooperative living environment where students pursue the House mission of Creating a Community of Unity and Diversity. First-year and upperclass students must apply and interview for assignment to the Multicultural House.

SMU Service House
Interested in making service learning a part of your university living and learning experience? Then the SMU Service House is the place for you!  The 28 upper-class residents who live in the Service House are involved in 30 hours of community service each semester. This house is a close-knit community with an active House Council who plan house dinners, improve facilities and plan a wide variety of service opportunities. Service projects are chosen based on the interests of the residents and range from working with a homeless shelter to literacy programs. Residents must go through an interview process and sign the Service House Agreement as well as complete the Housing application and contract. Visit the Service House website for further information about requirements and application process.

Daniel House
Daniel House offers a unique opportunity for upperclass and transfer students to live together in an apartment setting. Up to 39 students live in townhouse-style apartments. Each apartment has 3 single occupancy bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, a kitchen and living area. Community activities and programs are designed with transfer students in mind.

Graduate Housing
Graduate students may live in one of two residence halls: Martin Hall and Hawk Hall. All feature apartment style living in a residence hall setting. Graduate students may also choose to live in the SMU Apartments. Demand for graduate housing is very high and space is limited.